(104.3 The Score) The Bears (6-2) will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5) on Sunday, with kickoff set for 7:20 p.m. from Soldier Field.
Our 104.3 The Score pregame show with Zach Zaidman, Olin Kreutz and Patrick Mannelly will begin around 5:30 p.m. and last until kickoff. Our postgame show will begin around 10:20 p.m., just after the final buzzer. You can listen to our pregame show on the 104.3 The Score airwaves, our online stream or the Audacy app. Our postgame show will be on those platforms as well as our YouTube and Twitch channels.
You can check out all of The Score’s preview coverage of the Bears-Buccaneers matchup by clicking here. Below are game predictions from our Score hosts, producers and writers.
David Haugh (6-2): Bears 31, Buccaneers 20
This team is on a roll. Expect Jeffery Simmons to dominate, Caleb Williams to continue his mastery and the Bears to make another statement about their legitimacy on national television. The Bucs will have success early running the ball, but the Bears defensive line will force a takeaway that opens the path to victory.
Matt Spiegel (4-4): Bears 31, Buccaneers 17
The Bears keep rolling and improve to 7-2.
Chris Emma (4-4): Bears 30, Buccaneers 16
I picked against the Bears in Seattle. I'm not sure when I'll pick against them next. This team is capable of beating anybody – that much has been made clear. The Bears will get another win in primetime at Soldier Field.
Alex Kuhn (5-3): Bears 34, Buccaneers 13
The Bears earn their third straight convincing win in primetime. Baker Mayfield throws a couple interceptions with pressure in his face, and the Bears run away with this one.
Tyler Buterbaugh (6-2): Bears 31, Buccaneers 17
The Bears entered the chat Monday night of being Super Bowl favorites with the whooping they put on the reigning champion Seahawks. It doesn’t look like Kyle Monangai will return Sunday against one of the best run defenses in the NFL, but the Seahawks defense is also great and that didn’t stop the Bears offense. They won’t be stopped against the Buccaneers.
Tyler Ferengul (5-3): Bears 31, Buccaneers 16
I trust the Bears in this matchup against the Buccaneers, who are 3-5 but playing better football lately. With Jeffery Simmons now in the middle of Chicago’s defensive line, Tampa Bay will have to find more creative ways to move the ball outside of running it. As for the Bears offense, the Buccaneers defense has been solid and forcing a lot of turnovers – but there’s no defense that’s safe when facing Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams. The Bears win this one handily in front of another high-energy home crowd in primetime, moving to 7-2 as they hit their bye. The vibes will be at a level that Chicago hasn't seen in quite some time.
Clint Clouse (6-2): Bears 34, Buccaneers 14
After their most impressive win of the season, the Bears have a quick turnaround against a Buccaneers team that’s playing good football in winning three of its past four games after an 0-4 start. The Buccaneers lead the NFL in rushing yards per game and are third in total defense. However, their three wins have come against the Cowboys, Panthers and Falcons. The Bears are the better team with the better offense, and Jeffery Simmons’ addition has been a shot in the arm for the defense. There aren’t a lot of teams better than the Bears right now.
Grant Lieder (5-3): Bears 27, Buccaneers 10
The Buccaneers have no offense beside their running game, and Baker Mayfield isn’t throwing the ball well with his thumb injury.
Jakob Stutz (5-3): Bears 38, Buccaneers 10
I've seen some concern that this might be a trap game, but this is Ben Johnson's team we're talking about. There won't be any lack of energy with Jeffery Simmons playing in front of a juiced-up Soldier Field for the first time as a Bear. Chicago dominates Tampa Bay to win its first Sunday Night Football game since 2018.
David Dykstra (4-4): Bears 27, Buccaneers 17
The Bears establish their running game, and their defense creates more turnovers.
